Thornybush Waterside Lodge is one of the bigger of the lodges at Thornybush Private Reserve, a 14,000-hectare property adjacent to Kruger, and a great option if you like your bush holidays to come with the convenience of amenities such as free Wi-Fi and air conditioning (and there’s also a conference centre here that accommodates 60 people).

Set on the banks of a river that sees a lot of game wallowing in and drinking from its shallows, the lodge has 20 chalets spread across lush lawns which attract beautiful (and unshy) nyala antelope to graze. The chalets are comfortable (without being memorably luxurious), with huge beds, sunken bathtubs and balconies and the ubiquitous colonial-safari look of white linen, mosquito nets, cane furniture and dark-wood-framed prints.

Game drives are spectacular, as Thornybush is home to the Big Five (amongst other game) and offers fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities. Guides from the nine lodges in the reserve all communicate with one another via radio about the latest wildlife sighting, which increases your chances of sighting a lion or rhino.

In between morning and afternoon game drives, relax in the lounge, which has big screen satellite TV (in case there’s that important game you can’t miss), have a spa treatment, take dips in the tree-shaded pool or sunbathe on the deck, which is a great place to do some lazy bird watching or wildlife spotting.

Like most upmarket safari holidays, you’re never far from food. On morning game drives munch on red velvet and chocolate muffins, have breakfast feasts back at the lodge of eggs, cold meats, fruit, yoghurt and cheese, Italian-inspired salads (think caramelized pear and gorgonzola) and antipasti for lunch, delicious cakes for afternoon high tea and three-course dinners of soup and hearty roasts.

Waterside Lodge is a good option for families – there are two family suites and a children’s activity programme comprising picnics, educational walks with rangers and treasure hunts – but if you’re after more intimate, romantic accommodation (without the Wi-Fi and air-con), opt for one of the smaller Thornybush lodges, such as Serondella, which only accommodates eight people.